Research shows that young children benefit from high-quality early childhood education programs. Children who participate in preschool often have better outcomes. They have more success in school, fewer behavior problems, and fewer issues transitioning into kindergarten.
Florida was one of the first states in the US to provide free pre-K programs to every four-year-old. The innovative voluntary pre-kindergarten program (VPK) helps prepare children for kindergarten. It instills a love of learning and ensures children are socially and educationally prepared to start school.
This article will explore Florida’s VPK program. You will learn the benefits of high-quality VPK programs and where to find a certified voluntary pre-k program near you.
Reach out to the team at New Horizons now to learn about our enriching VPK programs in Palm Harbor. You may also ask questions or schedule a tour of our learning center.
What is a Certified Voluntary Pre-K Program?
Florida’s voluntary pre-K program is an early learning initiative that can benefit young children and their families. Four-year-olds in Florida can attend high-quality early learning programs in the year before entering school.
VPK is a free program. All four-year-olds in Florida are eligible for free voluntary pre-K programs, regardless of their family’s income.
The Department of Education and Early Learning Coalitions designed Florida’s VPK programs to fill the gap between play-based preschool and kindergarten. There are many facilities offering VPK programs, including public school districts and private facilities.
Voluntary pre-K programs are available year-round. Caregivers may register their child for a school year program (540 hours of instruction) and a summer program (300 instructional hours) in the year when their child turns four. Parents who intend to delay the start of kindergarten may wait until the following year before enrolling their child in a VPK.
Certified VPK programs in Palm Harbor offer small class sizes, qualified educators, and a thoughtful curriculum. Children who attend a VPK often have smoother transitions into kindergarten and perform better in school throughout elementary school.
How Does Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten Prepare Children For Kindergarten?
High-quality, certified VPK programs help prepare children for kindergarten. VPK programs offer education in essential areas, such as literacy, math, and social-emotional skills.
Here is an overview of what children learn in a VPK in Port Richey.
Socialization
In Kindergarten, your child will be part of a classroom community. They will listen to a teacher, work with peers, and learn how to get along with others.
In a certified VPK program in Palm Harbor, caring educators provide chances for children to develop the social skills they’ll need to succeed in kindergarten. A VPK’s curriculum focuses on sharing, building self-esteem, respecting others, and following classroom rules.
Arriving in kindergarten with a solid foundation of social skills can benefit children in many ways. They may have an easier time making friends, fewer behavioral issues, and less anxiety during transitions.
Literacy
Literacy is a core aspect of kindergarten. A VPK can prepare children for kindergarten by helping them build a strong base of literacy skills.
One of the most important goals of voluntary pre-k programs is to introduce children to pre-literacy skills. This means:
- Being able to recognize letters and their sounds
- Having an interest in reading
- Improving communication
A VPK doesn’t just teach children letters or rely on memorization drills. Dedicated, skilled educators use time-tested techniques to keep children interested in learning.
STEM
A high-quality VPK introduces children to STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) concepts through play and other developmentally appropriate learning experiences. Children count, build, explore, and imagine while learning a lot about the world around them.
Children who attend a certified VPK start kindergarten with a great base of STEM knowledge. This can help them learn more complex concepts throughout elementary school.
Who Qualifies for Voluntary Pre-K in Florida?
The state of Florida offers free VPK to all 4-year-olds living in Florida. To be eligible for enrollment for a school year VPK program, a child must turn four on or before September 1st. Children who turn four between February 2nd and September 1st may attend VPK that year or the following year.
Parents must provide proof of Florida residency and documentation of the child’s birthday to register for no-cost VPK programs.
Valid proof of residency includes:
- A utility bill from the past 12 months
- A pay stub dated within a year of your application
- A military order showing a parent or guardian has been assigned to duty in Florida
- A rental agreement dated within a year of your application
Valid proof of date of birth includes:
- An original or certified copy of the child’s birth certificate
- A baptism record or other religious records of the child’s birth
- A passport
- A life insurance policy
- A valid military dependant ID card
- An immunization record
There are several other options. Contact Florida’s Division of Early Learning for complete details.
Contact the team at New Horizons now to learn about our certified VPK programs in Palm Harbor. You may also schedule a tour of our learning center or ask questions.
